Margate's housing stock is anchored in the mid-20th century, when the city's neighborhoods were built out as northwest Broward County suburbanized. Classic Florida ranch-style homes with Spanish architectural influences, large yards, and mature landscaping dominate communities such as Margate Estates. The city also has a substantial inventory of condominiums and, notably, several large 55-and-over communities, including Wynmoor and Paradise Gardens, which add a strong active-adult segment to the market. Newer and updated homes appear alongside original mid-century builds, giving buyers a mix of eras, lot sizes, and property types across a relatively compact, centrally located city.

Margate's neighborhoods reflect its mid-century development. North Margate features shady streets and mid-century homes, some with access to the Stranahan River, and sits near Winfield Park and Kaye Stevens Park. Margate Estates is a well-established single-family neighborhood of classic Florida ranch homes known for its central location. Coral Bay and Buttonwood Hammocks are additional residential pockets with their own character. The city's large active-adult communities, including Wynmoor—a substantial 55-and-over development—and Paradise Gardens with more than 1,000 homes, give Margate a significant retiree population and a distinct mix of housing types across the city.

Margate offers a relaxed, family-oriented suburban lifestyle in the heart of northwest Broward County. The Calypso Cove Aquatic Center serves as a downtown gathering spot with water slides, a lap pool, and an aquatic playground, and the city hosts community events throughout the year. Golf is a defining pastime, with the Oriole Golf Club drawing residents and visitors. Dining and shopping concentrate along the Atlantic Boulevard and State Road 7 corridors, which offer a mix of national retailers, local restaurants, and casual eateries reflecting South Florida's cultural diversity. The city's many active-adult communities give parts of Margate a distinctly retiree-friendly rhythm alongside its family neighborhoods.

Margate is served by Broward County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the country. Local campuses include Margate Elementary School and Margate Middle School, the latter operating as a magnet school offering specialized programs. Broward County's system provides a range of magnet, charter, and career-focused options, and families in Margate can also access nearby private and charter schools. The district's size means school assignment and choice programs can vary by address, making campus boundaries and magnet applications an important consideration for families moving to the city.

Margate benefits from its position within Broward County's road network. State Road 7 (Route 441) runs along the city's eastern edge, while Atlantic Boulevard (State Road 814) cuts through the city and connects directly to Interstate 95 for trips toward Fort Lauderdale, roughly 20 miles to the east. The Sawgrass Expressway and Florida's Turnpike provide north-south and east-west routes to Coral Springs, Boca Raton, and points beyond. Broward County Transit operates multiple bus lines serving Margate, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is reachable in about a half-hour by car. The city's inland location means most daily trips are car-based, though bus service links major corridors.

Recreation in Margate centers on its parks and the Oriole Golf Club, an 18-hole public course that is a long-standing fixture of the community. Oriole Park complements the course with a full-size, lighted baseball field and open play areas. Winfield Park and Kaye Stevens Park offer neighborhood green space and playgrounds across the city. The Calypso Cove Aquatic Center, operated by the city, provides a beach-entry pool, water slides, and a splash play area for families. Nearby regional attractions include Butterfly World in Coconut Creek and the parks of the Sawgrass and Everglades corridor, while the Atlantic beaches lie a short drive to the east.